Construction workers unearthed the grim surprise as they were tearing up a section of the roadway in Oscoda for resurfacing work. At first, workers found a partial skull and a few other scattered bone fragments while backfilling a trench on May 2. Additional fragments were found a few weeks later.

The remains were sent to the Michigan State University Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for further examination. Anthropologists there confirmed the American Indian connection this week, according to a statement released by MDOT.